John "Junior" Fielitz

Junior was born two miles northwest of Stryker on Feb. 23, 1924, the son of the late John and the late Verna (Graber) Fielitz.

When Junior was two years old he became ill and developed a very high fever, which affected his ability to learn in school, play sports, or handle his own finances. His parents were kind, patient and loving and took good care of him as long as they were able.

His father taught him about farming. What Junior enjoyed most about farming was driving the tractor, plowing and working the ground. He attended to his chores faithfully and enjoyed feeding the pigs. He was his Dad's helper. Junior was baptized in his youth and was a faithful member of the Lockport Mennonite Church.

He enjoyed attending MYF with his many friends. Junior had worked at Quadco in Stryker and also the Mendelson Egg Co. In 1977 he started to work for Sauder Woodworking, where he worked until his retirement 10 years later.

After Junior's mother was unable to drive, he and his mother moved to a Stamm Street apartment in Archbold, which made it more convenient for Junior to ride his bicycle to work and also be closer to the rest of the family living in the Archbold area.

Later, his mother moved to the nursing home and Junior stayed in his apartment and ate most of his meals at the Home Restaurant, where he always enjoyed a piece of pie.

In 1992 Junior moved to an assisted-living apartment at Fairlawn Haven. He enjoyed shuffleboard, playing Bingo and other games there.

In 2003 he fell with his bicycle and broke his shoulder, and after spending time in the hospital, he moved into the nursing home. While there he assisted some of his friends pushing their wheelchairs to the dining room and helping others.

In Sept. 1996 he was awarded the "Resident of the Month" at Fairlawn Haven.

Junior will be missed by his surviving sister, Orpha (Roy) Klopfenstein of Archbold, and his brother Archie Fielitz of Archbold. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Gaylord, Dale, and Maynard Fielitz; and one sister, Wanetta Fielitz Rufenacht.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 27, 2007 at Lockport Mennonite Church, with Pastor Pamela Short and Pastor Charles Gautsche, officiating. Burial will precede the service at 10 a.m. at the Lockport Cemetery.

Friends may call in the Chapel at Fairlawn Haven Nursing Home in Archbold on Wednesday from 2-8 p.m.

The family requests that memorial contributions be given to Lockport Mennonite Church, Fairlawn Haven Nursing Home, or the charity of the donor's choice.